Sooners Add JUCO All-American Kuath

NORMAN – Lon Kruger added another piece to the University of Oklahoma men's basketball team on Wednesday with the signing of junior college All-American forward Kur Kuath.

Born in South Sudan, Kuath (pronounced “Kwoth”) and his family moved to Utah at a young age. Kuath (6-9, 185) joins the Sooners after two seasons of junior college at Salt Lake Community College. In 2017-18, Kuath averaged 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.3 blocks while shooting .611 from the field.

His sophomore season was recognized nationally when he was named an NJCAA third-team All-American. He was also named to the Scenic West Athletic Conference's All-Region 18 First Team.

“Kur is an active, long athlete with great energy,” said Kruger. “He impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He’s a terrific shot blocker as well as a guy who can score in a lot of different ways. We’re very excited to add him to our program.”

Kuath's defining attribute is his shot-blocking ability and length. This past season, Kuath deflected at least four shots in 15 of SLCC's 32 games and he ranked third nationally in blocks among junior college players.

"Kur is an ultra-long, athletic big man," said SLCC head coach Todd Phillips. "He has great timing, moves quick. His offensive skill level is growing. He's going to protect the rim and rebound. He's a great kid who is happy and friendly around campus. The biggest thing with Kur is potential - I think his ceiling is really high as he grows into his game."

Kuath is the third new addition to the 2018-19 Oklahoma squad, joining incoming freshman guard Jamal Bieniemy and graduate transfer guard Miles Reynolds.